This year’s Indian Premier League will be graced, for the first time ever, by a UAE player; Chirag Suri.
That’s right, a UAE international will be mixing it with the big boys on Twenty20 cricket’s grandest stage.
And for those not familiar with Suri, we profile the UAE star bound for the IPL.
Are you looking forward to watching him in action?
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IS HE EMIRATI?
No, Suri is actually a Delhi native but moved to the UAE in Grade Six aged six-years-old.
Now 22, Suri lives in Dubai with his family who headed to the UAE back in 2001, his dad establishing the RMF family firm that specialises in marble, granite and timber supplies.
WHICH SCHOOL DID HE GO TO?
When Suri arrived in Dubai, he first went to Dubai Modern High School in Nad Al Sheba.
He then moved next door to Repton School three years later in year nine.
WHAT CLUB DOES HE PLAY FOR?
Suri turns out for Sharjah Club, where he has enjoyed a stellar year with the bat.
WHAT DOES HE DO WHEN HE’S NOT PLAYING CRICKET?
Still in education, Suri studies at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai.
He graduates in November of this year from a BBA in Business and Administration.
WHEN DID HE MAKE HIS UAE DEBUT?
Suri’s full international debut came against Kenya as an 18-year-old in the UAE’s World Cup Qualifying campaign in New Zealand in the Super Sixes stage.
An under-19 World Cup followed, giving Suri the chance to be a future star across all formats.
Since then, it has been a trickier time for the cricketer on the international stage, where he has played just two more official UAE games.
WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
Essentially, an elegant stroke-maker with resolute defence and sound technique.
Suri has long been seen as the UAE’s most promising four-day player and his game certainly lends to the longer formats.
As proven by a number of international players, however, a good technique can bring success in any aspect of the game.
WHO BOUGHT HIM AT THE AUCTION?
The Gujarat Lions took a punt on Suri, where he will join the likes of Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Brendon McCullum, Jason Roy and Aaron Finch.
That is some company to keep!
HOW MUCH DID HE COST?
An absolute bargain, Suri cost the Lions 10 lakhs (Dh55,000).
They should recoup that money in shirts bought in the UAE alone!